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Sigma have announced a a version of their 18-200mm that is compatible with the Nikon D40 and D40x, both of which lack an auto focus motor in the body. This lens has been announced shortly after Tamron announced its D40 friendly 18-250mm - obviously both companies have realised the D40 users make up a good proportion of their target market and should act to cash in on Nikon’s (shall I say?!) shortcomings. The lens incorporates an internal auto focus motor to cater for the D40’s issue and has meant the Optical Stabilization (OS) feature has been dropped for the 18-200 mm in the 2008 Sigma lens range. The switch from the OS to the internal AF motor has shed 24mm off the length and made the lens a whole 215g lighter. Press release below, further information is available from the Sigma Website. Pricing and availability coming soon.

Sigma’s Press Release:

11.1x high zoom ratio lens with a built-in AF motor allowing autofocus with all Nikon APS-C DSLR cameras.

18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC lens for Nikon

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC for Nikon. This high zoom ratio lens, designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras, covers wide angle to telephoto focal lengths. The built-in motor is capable of autofocusing with all Nikon DSLR cameras*. Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) lenses and two Aspherical glass elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberration. Sigma’s super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides high image quality throughout the zoom range. The compact and lightweight construction of 70mm (2.8”) in diameter, 75.6mm (3.0”) in length and 395g (13.9oz) makes it ideal for field work. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7”) and a maximum magnification of 1:4.4. An inner focusing system also eliminates front lens rotation, making this lens particularly suitable for using the petal lens hood and circular polarizing filters. A zoom lock switch mechanism is provided to prevent the lens from creeping due to its own weight.

*Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with 35mm SLR cameras, APS format film cameras or digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size, including 5:4 and FX format of Nikon D3 camera.

Petal-type Hood (LH680-01) supplied

Features

• The built-in motor is capable of autofocusing with all Nikon DSLR cameras.
• Compact and lightweight construction of 70mm (2.8″) in diameter, 75.6mm (3.0″) in length and weighing just 395g(13.9oz).
• SLD lens and Aspherical glass elements provides high image quality through entire zoom range.
• Sigma’s super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting.

Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC specifications: